Security software for new laptop?

[knarfeng]

Howdy,
My daughter got a laptop for college. So far she has only used it at home where she links to the internet through my wired router that has a mechanical firewall. That being the case, I've been content to let her use the security settings that are native to Vista and not add anything else.

What recommendations could you make for security software for a laptop that will likely be using a wireless hotspot at a local community college, not to mention her surfing at a lot more random spots than her mother and I do?

 

[mwerner]

One can go free on everything. AVG and other free anti-virus programs are excellent.
The Zone Alarm firewall likewise; I've used it for years.
Throw in Spybot and/or Ad-Aware for occasional removal of spyware, and she'll be in good shape.

 

[monsterdog]

Well, the ultimate security would of course be installing Linux on it (may I suggest Ubuntu? My mother uses that, so can't be hard to use.)

If Windooze is a requirement, ThreatFire is a handy little thing to keep along side another anti-virus/anti-spyware program and a firewall.

 

[gnius]

I'd have to agree with Monsterdog - ultimately there is no substitute to not using Windows, and Ubuntu is my Operating System of choice.

However, it is possible to be relatively safe while using Windows by using:
- software firewall (i.e. Comodo)
- anti-virus (AVG is ok, Kaspersky is the best)
- non-administrator user account

This last one is a biggie, and it's the one that most Windows users don't heed. There is no reason to use an administrator account on an everyday basis. A user account takes 5 minutes to create, and will do a lot to protect unwanted software from installing itself.

Finally, safe browsing habits are a must. Do not EVER:
- open an email attachment from someone you don't know, or one that you're not expecting
- install any software you haven't researched
- click "OK" to get rid of any dialog box without reading
- browse online banking sites, enter credit card information, or enter any usernames and passwords that are not disposable when you're connected to a random WiFi access point.
- browse online banking sites, making purchases, etc... if the website does not have an "https" link, and a .com address you recognize. For instance:
"https://www.citibank.com" = OK
"http://www.citibank.com" = NOT OK
"https://www.citibankk.com.cn" = NOT OK
- use the computer if you suspect that spyware or adware is installed

 

[knarfeng]

I'd have to agree with Monsterdog - ultimately there is no substitute to not using Windows, and Ubuntu is my Operating System of choice.

However, it is possible to be relatively safe while using Windows by using:
- software firewall (i.e. Comodo)
- anti-virus (AVG is ok, Kaspersky is the best)
- non-administrator user account

This last one is a biggie, and it's the one that most Windows users don't heed. There is no reason to use an administrator account on an everyday basis. A user account takes 5 minutes to create, and will do a lot to protect unwanted software from installing itself.

Finally, safe browsing habits are a must. Do not EVER:
- open an email attachment from someone you don't know, or one that you're not expecting
- install any software you haven't researched
- click "OK" to get rid of any dialog box without reading
- browse online banking sites, enter credit card information, or enter any usernames and passwords that are not disposable when you're connected to a random WiFi access point.
- browse online banking sites, making purchases, etc... if the website does not have an "https" link, and a .com address you recognize. For instance:
"https://www.citibank.com" = OK
"http://www.citibank.com" = NOT OK
"https://www.citibankk.com.cn" = NOT OK
- use the computer if you suspect that spyware or adware is installed

Thanks gnius. I missed that one about not using an admin account for everyday use. Also, your suggestions for which firewall and anti-virus are exactly what I was looking to find out.

Frank R